American University in Dubai extends distance learning till end of semester

Dubai: The American University in Dubai (AUD) has extended distance learning till end of the semester.

In a social media post, AUD said: "Distance learning will continue through the end of the Spring semester, concluding on Friday, 1 May 2026."

"Please be assured that every decision we make is guided by a single priority: your safety and well-being. Our focus remains on academic continuity, and we are here to ensure you have uninterrupted access to the resources, faculty guidance, and support systems you rely on," the university said in the Instagram post.

AUD also urged students to rely exclusively on official university channels for the latest updates.

AUS also online till semester end

The move follows a similar decision by the American University of Sharjah (AUS), which earlier this week extended online learning for the remainder of its semester as well.

AUS Chancellor Dr Tod Laursen had acknowledged the strain that week-by-week uncertainty had placed on students, saying: "The recent approach of planning one or two weeks at a time has understandably created difficulty and uncertainty for many of you."

In shifting to a semester-long commitment, he added: "We hope that offering this level of direction will help you make more informed decisions and feel more at ease during this time."

The announcements come after the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research extended remote learning at higher education institutions until April 17 — with in-person attendance permitted only for programmes requiring clinical training, laboratory work or direct practical application, under strict safety measures.

AURAK online till 17

Meanwhile, the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has announced that classes will remain online till April 17, in line with the latest national directives.

"Following the latest national directives, distance learning at AURAK will continue until April 17, 2026. The safety and wellbeing of our students will always come first. This decision has been made with care, keeping our entire community in mind," the university said on Instagram.

AURAK also encouraged its community to stay connected and keep up with official updates. "We encourage everyone to stay connected, keep up with official university updates, and continue supporting one another during this time. Even at a distance, we remain one community," it added.

Safety above all

The period of remote learning across UAE institutions has been ongoing since March 2, extended again at the start of Term 3 on March 23 after the spring break was brought forward by a week due to regional tensions.

A parallel extension covering all nurseries, kindergartens and public and private schools until April 17 was also announced by the Ministry of Education, with student and staff safety cited as the overriding priority.

Authorities have said the situation will continue to be reviewed regularly.